Antibacterial essential oil

ABSTRACT

An antibacterial essential oil includes 100 parts by weight of a Juniperus chinensis extract, 30 to 70 parts by weight of an Aquilaria agallocha extract, 30 to 70 parts by weight of camellia oil, and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Dendropanax morbifera extract. Additionally, the antibacterial essential oil includes 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Portulaca oleracea extract, and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Houttuynia cordata extract, 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Salicornia herbacea extract, and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a licorice extract. Further, the antibacterial essential oil includes 10 to 40 parts by weight of an Arctium lappa tea extract, 10 to 40 parts by weight of a jujube extract, 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Paeonia japonica extract, and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Chamaecyparis obtuse extract.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an antibacterial essential oil, and more particularly to an antibacterial essential oil comprising a mixture of camellia oil and simple volatile aromatic compounds extracted from Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea and/or the like.

Description of the Prior Art

Essential oils are aromatic volatile organic compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, oxides and the like, and are obtained from plants. According to parts from which they are obtained, these essential oils are mainly classified into those obtained from leaves (eucalyptus and peppermint), those obtained from flowers (lavender and rosemary), those obtained from branches (juniper), those obtained from stems (sandalwood), those obtained from roots (vetiver and calamus), and the like.

In particular, aromatic essential oils contain chemicals and hormones extracted from the specific parts (root, flower, leaf, stem, fruit, etc.) of fragrant plants useful for health, that is, herbal plants. Just as various chemicals and hormones are indispensable to the human body, it can be said that the life force of plants also originates therefrom. About 300 or more kinds of oils may be used in the human body, and among them, about 60 kinds of oils are currently used in the human body.

Meanwhile, the essential oils have anti-infectious activity, antihistamine activity, antiallergic activity and the like, and exhibit unique therapeutic effects according to the composition thereof. For example, when the essential oils contain a large amount of ketone, they have an excellent wound healing effect, and when the essential oils contain a large amount of alcohol, they have an excellent antibacterial effect.

Methods of applying such essential oils to the body include a method of applying the essential oil directly to the skin, a method of spraying the essential oil to the skin, and a method of intranasally inhaling the essential oil. Among these methods, the transdermal method is most frequently used. The essential oil that passed through the skin is absorbed into capillary blood vessels and reaches the systemic circulation.

Methods that are used to apply such essential oils, particularly aromatic essential oils, include fragrance diffusion employing a lamp or a humidifier, steam (moisture) inhalation, dry inhalation, wet compress, bath, massage, spraying, gaggling and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in order to overcome the above-described problems, and is intended to provide an antibacterial essential oil comprising a mixture of camellia oil and simple volatile aromatic compounds extracted from Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea and the like.

The present invention provides an antibacterial essential oil comprising: 100 parts by weight of a Juniperus chinensis extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of an Aquilaria agallocha extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of camellia oil; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Dendropanax morbifera extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Portulaca oleracea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Houttuynia cordata extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Salicornia herbacea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a licorice extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of an Arctium lappa tea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a jujube extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Paeonia japonica extract; and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Chamaecyparis obtuse extract.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated shapes, numbers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, steps, operations, elements and/or components.

The present invention provides an antibacterial essential oil comprising: 100 parts by weight of a Juniperus chinensis extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of an Aquilaria agallocha extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of camellia oil; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Dendropanax morbifera extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Portulaca oleracea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Houttuynia cordata extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Salicornia herbacea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a licorice extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of an Arctium lappa tea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a jujube extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Paeonia japonica extract; and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Chamaecyparis obtuse extract.

The antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention is prepared by aging and blending plant extracts safe for the human body. Thus, it causes no skin irritation, and is safe even when being used for a long period of time. In addition, it may be formulated as skin lotion or essence which may be provided in a glass bottle or a general cosmetic bottle so as to be easily used by spraying. To this end, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may be provided in the form of any conventional antibacterial essential oil known in the art.

In particular, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention is preferably formulated as liquid products such as skin softener, essence and/or skin lotion products.

Meanwhile, the extracts according to the present invention, particularly extracts of plants, including Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea, Houttuynia cordata, Salicornia herbacea, licorice, Arctium lappa tea, jujube, Paeonia japonica, and Chamaecyparis obtuse, may be prepared by any extraction method known in the art. Preferably, the extracts may be prepared by extracting plants, for example, Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea, Houttuynia cordata, Salicornia herbacea, licorice, Arctium lappa tea, jujube, Paeonia japonica and/or Chamaecyparis obtuse, by steam distillation at a temperature ranging from 65 to 75° C. for 45 to 50 hours.

The Juniperus chinensis extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Juniperus chinensis, preferably the leaf and/or stem of Juniperus chinensis.

In this regard, Juniperus chinensis is known as a fragrant tree, acts to cleanse the mind and destroy the unclean thing, and has antibacterial activity. Thus, it has been widely used for skin care and cleansing by the women of the King's court.

In particular, the Juniperus chinensis has been widely known to have an air cleaning effect, and studies on the Juniperus chinensis have been actively conducted to use the Juniperus chinensis against various stress-induced skin diseases and for scale care. Furthermore, studies on the Juniperus chinensis indicated that the Juniperus chinensis showed the best antibacterial effect against Propionibacterium acnes which is a representative acne-causing bacterium [see Korean journal of aesthetics and cosmetics society, Vol. 2 No. 2 (Antibacterial, antioxidant and keratinocyte-protecting effects of Juniperus chinensis extract, the Department of Biotechnology, Chosun University, and others).

The contents of components other than the Juniperus chinensis extract in the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention are based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Aquilaria agallocha extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Aquilaria agallocha which is conventionally used in the art, particularly Vietnamese Aquilaria agallocha (Aquilaria crassna). The Aquilaria agallocha extract is preferably used in an amount of 30 to 70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In this regard, the Aquilaria agallocha extract comprises simple volatile aromatic compounds which are the major components of Aquilaria crassna and which are effective for acne, stress-induced skin diseases, mite bites, insect bites, mosquito bites, mosquito repellent, skin aging caused by environmental pollution or the like, and atopic symptoms.

In addition, the Aquilaria agallocha extract has flower scent, soft herbal fragrance, and pleasant fresh fragrance.

The camellia oil according to the present invention is an oil extracted from the seed, leaf, bud and/or fruit of Camellia japonica, and contains a large amount of oleic acid which has a good skin moisturizing effect and a skin soothing effect and which is effective against atopic or allergic skin conditions. In addition, it is rich in gamma-linolenic acid which is effective in preventing skin dryness and alleviating itching.

The camellia oil is preferably used in an amount of 30 to 70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, but is not particularly limited thereto.

The Dendropanax morbifera extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Dendropanax morbifera which is a dicotyledonous evergreen tree belonging to the family Araliaceae of the order Umbelliflorae. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial or antibacterial activities, and contains a large amount of sesquiterpene which has the effect of stabilizing mind and body.

The Dendropanax morbifera extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Portulaca oleracea extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Portulaca oleracea, particularly the leaf and the like of Portulaca oleracea. It acts to alleviate skin irritation and allergic responses, and has pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it is used mainly in acne care products, cosmetics for sensitive skin, and the like.

The Portulaca oleracea extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, but is not particularly limited thereto.

The Houttuynia cordata extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Houttuynia cordata which is a dicotyledonous perennial plant belonging to the family Saururaceae of the order Piperales. It is effective in treating skin inflammation, atopic diseases and the like.

The Houttuynia cordata extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Salicornia herbacea extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Salicornia herbacea which is a dicotyledonous annual plant belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae of the order Centrospermales. It is good for skin beauty so that it can call an eating cosmetic. In addition, it is rich in minerals and vitamins, and thus has an excellent effect on fatigue recovery.

The Salicornia herbacea extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The licorice extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from licorice which is a dicotyledonous perennial plant belonging to the family Fabaceae of the order Rosales. It has good detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects, and is effective in alleviating skin diseases such as acne, atopy, eczema, urticaria and the like.

The licorice extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Arctium lappa tea extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from a tea made of an Arctium lappa seed obtained by drying the ripe seed of Arctium lappa belonging to the family Asteraceae. It has a blood pressure regulating effect, an anticancer effect, a detoxifying effect, a bad breath removing effect and a blood glucose lowering effect, and is effective in reducing freckles, wrinkles and the like.

The Arctium lappa tea extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The jujube extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from the fruit of jujube. It gives conditioning to the skin to help make the skin vital, and is effective in moisturizing the skin and keeping the skin healthy.

The jujube extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Paeonia japonica extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Paeonia japonica which is a dicotyledonous perennial plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae of the order Ranunculales. It shows an anti-aging effect and is effective in preventing dermatitis and inhibiting melanin formation.

The Paeonia japonica extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

The Chamaecyparis obtuse extract according to the present invention is an extract obtained from Chamaecyparis obtuse which is an evergreen tree belonging to the family Cupressaceae of the order Coniferales of Pinophyta. It contains a large amount of the natural antibacterial compound phytoncide having an excellent sterilizing effect, and has strong water resistance so that when it contacts water, its original fragrance can spread deeply to eliminate other odors.

The Chamaecyparis obtuse extract is preferably used in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In a certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, 1 to 10 parts by weight of perfume in order to improve the user's feeling by adding fragrance.

Preferred examples of perfume that may be used in the present invention include herbs such as lavender, rosemary, oregano, bergamot, yarrow, basil, mint, sage or lemon balm, jasmine, borage, anika, spatium, Clary sage, peppermint and the like.

In another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an antioxidant in order to prevent oxidation of the antibacterial essential oil.

Preferred examples of an antioxidant that may be used in the present invention include amine-based antioxidants, biophenol-based antioxidants, monophenol-based antioxidants, and sulfur-based antioxidants. More preferably, the antioxidant is 2,2-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, or a mixture thereof.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise salicylic acid in order to prevent bacteria or the like from occurring in the antibacterial essential oil. The salicylic acid is preferably used in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise stearic acid in order to form a thin protective layer when the oil is applied to the skin, thereby relieving external physical impact and preventing the penetration of toxic substances and also preventing the skin temperature from being reduced. The stearic acid is preferably used in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise para-aminobenzoic acid in order to absorb UV rays. The para-aminobenzoic acid is preferably used in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise a Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne extract in order to increase the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil. In this regard, the Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne belongs to the genus Cotoneaster of the family Rosaceae, and is distributed mainly in temperate regions, including North America and Europe. The Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne extract is prepared according to the same extraction method as that used for each extract of the present invention, and is preferably used in an amount of 5 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise a Martensia bibarii extract in order to prevent autoimmune diseases or inflammatory diseases. In this regard, Martensia bibarii is a red algae belonging to the order Ceramiales, and is distributed in the southern coast of Korea and in the sea area of Jeju Island, Korea. The Martensia bibarii extract is prepared according to the same extraction method as that used for each extract of the present invention, and is preferably used in an amount of 5 to 30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, 3 to 20 parts by weight of hyaluronic acid in order to improve the skin moisturizing effect of the essential oil.

In this regard, the hyaluronic acid is a biomaterial having a very excellent skin-moisturizing effect.

In still another certain embodiment, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may further comprise, based on 100 parts by weight of the Juniperus chinensis extract, 1 to 10 parts by weight of arbutin in order to improve the whitening effect of the essential oil.

In this regard, the arbutin is a substance which is contained in bearberry trees in large amounts, has a good whitening effect, and also has a chemical structure similar to that of hydroquinone acting to inhibit melanin production.

The antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may be formulated as skin lotion or essence which may be provided in a glass bottle or a general cosmetic bottle so as to be easily used by spraying.

For use, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may be diluted with a suitable amount of purified water, particularly distilled water, at a weight ratio of 1:9 to 9:1 (essential oil:distilled water), and then aged at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to 24° C. for 6 to 10 days, preferably one week.

Furthermore, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may be used for adolescent acne and rough skin and to prevent skin aging, alleviate atopy and give a sense of freshness. In addition, it may act to reduce skin heat caused by anger or stress, may alleviate the pain of bug bites (mite or mosquito bites, etc.) and help repel bugs, and is effective in alleviating rough skin and making the skin shiny through its antibacterial and antioxidant effects.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. It is to be understood, however, that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Example 1: Extract Preparation

A Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea, Houttuynia cordata, Salicornia herbacea, licorice, Arctium lappa tea, jujube, Paeonia japonica or Chamaecyparis obtuse extract was prepared as follows.

First, the plant to be extracted, that is, Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea, Houttuynia cordata, Salicornia herbacea, licorice, Arctium lappa tea, jujube, Paeonia japonica or Chamaecyparis obtuse, was washed clean.

Here, for the Juniperus chinensis, the leaf or stem thereof was used, and for the Portulaca oleracea, the leaf thereof was used.

Next, the plant to be extracted was placed I a container to be supplied with steam, and was then subjected to a steam distillation process in which steam was continuously supplied to the plant at about 70° C. for about 48 hours, thereby obtaining an extract from the plant.

Next, the obtained extract was cooled, thereby preparing each extract.

Example 2

100 g of the Juniperus chinensis extract, 50 g of the Aquilaria agallocha extract, 50 g of camellia oil, 25 g of the Dendropanax morbifera extract, 25 g of the Portulaca oleracea extract, 25 g of the Houttuynia cordata extract, 25 g of the Salicornia herbacea extract, 25 g of the licorice extract, 25 g of the Arctium lappa tea extract, 25 of the jujube extract, 25 g of the Paeonia japonica extract, and 25 g of the Chamaecyparis obtuse extract, which were obtained according to the method described in Example 1, were mixed with one another, thereby preparing an antibacterial essential oil.

Example 3

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 5 g of lavender oil was further added.

Example 4

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 1.5 g of 2,2-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol) was further added.

Example 5

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 1 g of salicylic acid was further added.

Example 6

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 1 g of stearic acid was further added.

Example 7

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 1.5 g of para-aminobenzoic acid was further added.

Example 8

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 10 g of a Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne extract prepared by the same extraction method as described in Example 1 was further added.

Example 9

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 10 g of a Martensia bibarii extract prepared by the same extraction method as described in Example 1 was further added.

Example 10

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 10 g of hyaluronic acid was further added.

Example 11

This Example was performed in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that 5 g of arbutin was further added.

Test

The effects (including antibacterial, antioxidant, keratinocyte protective, skin moisturizing, acne reducing, and skin cleansing effects) of the antibacterial essential oils prepared in Examples 2 to 11 were tested through use of these essential oils.

The results of the test are shown in Table 1 below.

The results in Table 1 below are the results obtained by allowing 50 male and 50 female volunteers (regardless of age) to use the essential oils and to fill in the questionnaire.

TABLE 1 Keratinocyte Skin Skin Acne Example Antibacterial Antioxidant protection moisturization cleansing reduction 2 Very good Very good Good Good Good Good 3 Very good Very good Moderate Good Moderate Good 4 Very good Very good Good Good Moderate Good 5 Very good Very good Good Good Good Good 6 Very good Very good Moderate Good Moderate Good 7 Very good Very good Good Good Moderate Good 8 Very good Very good Good Good Good Good 9 Very good Very good Moderate Good Moderate Good 10 Very good Very good Moderate Very good Moderate Good 11 Very good Very good Moderate Good Moderate Good

As shown in Table 1 above, the antibacterial essential oils according to the present invention were moderate or higher in terms of antibacterial, antioxidant, skin moisturization, acne reduction and the like.

As described above, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention well combines the advantages of main materials, including Juniperus chinensis, Aquilaria agallocha, Dendropanax morbifera, Portulaca oleracea, Houttuynia cordata, Salicornia herbacea, licorice, Arctium lappa tea, jujube, Paeonia japonica, and Chamaecyparis obtuse, and emits a unique natural scent which is comfortable like wild chrysanthemum fragrance and soft like the scent of fields and mountains. Furthermore, it is harmless to the human body and has the effect of alleviating dermatitis and acne by exhibiting antibacterial activity.

In addition, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention is prepared by aging and blending plant extracts safe for the human body. Thus, it causes no skin irritation, is safe even when being used for a long period of time, and has the effect of alleviating itching, allergic symptoms such as skin rash, acne, or skin troubles caused by atopic skin conditions.

In addition, the antibacterial essential oil according to the present invention may be formulated as skin lotion or essence which may be provided in a glass bottle or a general cosmetic bottle so as to be easily used by spraying. Furthermore, it may be supplied at affordable prices, and thus may be used safely and conveniently by anyone regardless of gender and age.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Furthermore, it should be understood that all modifications or variations derived from the meanings and scope of the present invention and equivalents thereof are included in the scope of the present invention. 

1. An essential oil, comprising: 100 parts by weight of a Juniperus chinensis extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of an Aquilaria agallocha extract; 30 to 70 parts by weight of a camellia oil; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Dendropanax morbifera extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Portulaca oleracea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Houttuynia cordata extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Salicornia herbacea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a licorice extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of an Arctium lappa tea extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a jujube extract; 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Paeonia japonica extract; and 10 to 40 parts by weight of a Chamaecyparis obtuse extract.
 2. The essential oil of claim 1, wherein the Juniperus chinensis extract is an extract from a leaf or stem of Juniperus chinensis.
 3. The essential oil of claim 1, wherein the camellia oil is an oil extracted from a seed, leaf, bud or fruit of Camellia japonica.
 4. The essential oil of claim 1, wherein the Portulaca oleracea extract is an extract from a leaf of Portulaca oleracea.
 5. The essential oil of claim 1, wherein each of the extracts is prepared by extracting from a plant, from which each extract is obtained, using steam distillation at a temperature ranging from 65° C. to 75° C. for 45 to 50 hours. 